Shabbat Shalom. This week we have the pleasure of reading not only one but two parshiot: parsha Acharei Mot and Parsha Kedoshim. In short parsha Acharei Mot discusses the specific responsibilities of the Kohen Gadol during the Yom Kippur service, followed by a series of mitzvot that teach us to be holy in parsha Kedoshim. Among those mitzvot we find, “Love your fellow as yourself,” which Hillel proclaims “is the entire Torah, the rest is commentary.” I found Hillel’s statement to be extremely bold. How can the entire Torah be summed up in five words? What significance does this mitzvah have over all the others?
The great Lubavitcher Rebbe of blessed memory explains this through the three loves: the love of God, the love of Torah, and the love of one’s fellow. As He describes it, each of these three loves is a component of a singular essence and therefore you cannot distinguish one from the other. Our love for God is not complete until we have learned to love each other and the Torah and so forth. Our connection to God is directly related to our connection with each other. The way we interact with one another and our willingness to not only accept each other, but to love each other for who and what we are and even who and what we are not, affects our personal relationship with God.
In the wake of the Boston tragedy this week, I think we can all agree that, especially in times like these, recognizing and showing our love for others is essential in providing strength and support for the victims—and for ourselves as we all try to come to terms with the act of terror that occurred in Boston. It is hard to make sense of these horrible incidences and the evil that sometimes exists in the world, but that makes the love and kindness that we all have the capacity to show others, even more important. As we come together tonight in the spirit of Shabbat, we are bringing light into the world. Despite the distance between here and Boston, the energy we have created tonight is being felt across the nation.
Thinking about the importance of showing kindness and love to others, I have reflected upon how grateful I am for the love and support that I am given in my life. As graduation approaches I want to acknowledge and truly thank those who have contributed to my college experience and given me so much love and guidance that I will take with me onto the next stage of my life. Rabbi Zev and Ariela are the perfect example of two people who demonstrate what it means to "love your fellow as yourself." Since my freshman year you guys have been so welcoming and loving. The atmosphere at Chabad is always filled with such positive energy and it all stems from you guys. You reach out to every student who walks through the door and devote so much time and effort for the sake of others. Your actions motivate me to be a better person. I am so thankful and appreciative for having you in my life and I will miss you both very much next year.
Shana is pictured on the right.